Article by Joanne Stapensea, MA Exercise Physiologist

The SpiderTech Tape Calf & Arch is a precut kinesio tape application that benefits a multitude of injuries to the calf, Achilles tendon and sole of the foot. No special training or skill is required to apply it. One application can be worn up to 5 days, providing therapeutic benefits 24/7 the entire time.

Calf and Foot Pain Can Be Incapacitating

Injuries to the calf and Achilles tendon are among the most debilitating of athletic injuries. Because these structures are involved in every weight-bearing movement, even normal daily activities can cause significant pain and slow the recovery process.

It is virtually impossible to rest a calf injury without completely immobilizing the entire ankle and lower leg area. However, unless the injury has been catastrophic (for example, a ruptured Achilles tendon), most athletes prefer to avoid immobilization because of the limitations it places on movement and the inability to continue training.

Kinesiology Taping from SpiderTech to the Rescue

An ideal solution for athletes who wish to continue training as they recover from injuries is kinesiology taping. This thin, elastic therapeutic tape has the unique ability to provide support without restricting normal range of motion. This, coupled with its ability to rapidly relieve pain and reduce inflammation, make it an ideal therapeutic modality for injured athletes.

The SpiderTech Calf & Arch Covers a Multitude of Injuries

An exciting new development in the field of kinesiology taping is a collection of pre-cut kinesiology tape applications called SpiderTech Tape. Conveniently packaged and ready to apply, there are now 16 different SpiderTech applications available for specific parts of the body. The SpiderTech Calf & Arch Spider is an especially versatile application for anyone with pain or injuries to the calf, Achilles tendon and sole of the foot.

Conditions That Can Benefit from the Calf & Arch Spider

Because the Calf and Arch Spider kinesio tape covers the entire length of the sole of the foot in addition to the calf area, it can be used for a wide variety of injuries, including:

• Strained calf muscles (gastrocnemius and/or soleus)
• Calf spasms, cramps and stiffness
• Posterior shin splints
• Achilles tendinitis
• Sever’s Syndrome (Apophysitis of the calcaneous)
• Bursitis of the heel (Retrocalcaneal Bursitis)
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Fallen Arches

A Professional Opinion on the SpiderTech Tape Calf & Arch

As an exercise physiologist and active recreational athlete, following are the top 10 things I love about the SpiderTech Pre-Cut Calf & Arch application:

1. Because it SpiderTech kinesio tape covers both the calf and foot, I can treat multiple problems with a single application, if necessary.
2. It comes in a convenient individual package, with illustrated, step-by-step instructions included.
3. The backing of the tape is serrated in key places, allowing the tape to be applied in sections without getting it stuck to itself.
4. Each section on the backing of the tape is numbered, and each number corresponds to a step in the illustrated instructions.
5. The part of the tape that covers the calf area is split into 4 sections, allowing accurate placement directly over the calf muscles, regardless of leg size.
6. The end pieces of the sole end of the tape come up between the toes and anchor to the top of the foot, This prevents the tape from slipping, curling or peeling off the sole of the foot.
7. The entire Calf & Arch application is machine-cut from a single sheet of SpiderTape. This allows the edges of the tape to maintain their integrity longer, with less fraying and longer wear time than applications hand cut from a roll of tape.
8. Because a single application can be worn for up to 5 days and the therapeutic benefits continue as long as it’s worn, it’s like getting non-stop therapy 24/7 for the entire time it’s worn. Where else can you get 5 days of effective therapy for $10.99?
9. The website (www.theratape.com) has an excellent video clearly demonstrating how to apply the Calf & Arch Spider.
10. All of the SpiderTech applications fit easily into a sports bag or trainers kit, allowing them to be available for quick application when an injury occurs.

All in all, the Calf & Arch SpiderTech Tape is one of the most popular and versatile applications for anyone with lower leg or foot problems.